Alok Verma, the first CBI director to be removed by a PM-led panel, refused to take up his next assignment and resigned from service on Friday. Verma, who was not allowed to represent before the three-member committee, said "natural justice was scuttled and the entire process was turned upside down in ensuring that the undersigned is removed from the post of the Director". Verma, who had been ordered to take over as director general of fire services, said he was transferred on the basis of "false, unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations" made by only one person, who was inimical to him. Rao assumed charge of the agency on Thursday at 9 pm, an internal order of the CBI said. Breaking his silence, Verma, in a statement to PTI late on Thursday night said that the CBI, being a prime investigating agency dealing in corruption in high public places, is an institution whose independence should be preserved and protected.